Varkala Holidays, Kerala

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Varkala

Varkala

Varkala Holidays

Varkala is famed within Kerala as being one of the best beach resorts in the state of Kerala. Located to the north of the state, Varkala is a small town which is steeped in history. For culture lovers the area offers some fascinating architecture including the Janardana Swami Temple which is around 2000 years old. Other major sightseeing attractions in Varkala include Kappil Lake, which offers fantastic views over the backwaters of Kerala. Trips from Varkala to nearby Ponnumthurut Island are also popular.

Varkala beach holidays

The beach in Varkala is one of the main holiday attractions, offering warm golden sands which the region is famous for as well as the perfect location for watching the sun set over the Arabian sea. Famed not only as a popular holiday location, Varkala is well known locally for it’s natural water spouts and spas, created by the beach cliffs, which are thought to have important healing properties. The hotels in Varkala are situated on the top of these cliffs which allow them spectacular views over the ocean.

Varkala holidays - an important cultural centre

Varkala is an important Hindu pilgrimage sight due to the temples located here as well as for the therapeutic spas and waterspouts. The Sivagiri Mutt is also a poplar site to visit; containing the tomb of a famous philosopher the ashram attracts many visitors each year, especially over the New Year period.

Weather and Climate

Located on the southwestern coast of India, Kerala is hot all year around with temperatures between 27c and 33C all year. The highest sunshine hours per day are Nov - May with aprox 10 hours per day, this falls to 2 - 5 hours per day Jun - Sep. Humidity is between 70 - 85% with the highest humidity being from July - Sep. Monsoon season is from June-Sep with between 260 - 620mm of rainfall per month, the remainder of the year is generally very dry.

Varkala Highlights

Fact File

Currency: Indian Rupee

Average Flying time: 12 - 17½ hours

Minimum temperature: 27°C

Maximum temperature: 33°C

Spoken Language(s): Malayalam, English

Visa (UK Passport Holders): A visa is required for entry into India. British Citizen Passport Holders will need to obtain an e-Tourist Visa (eTV) for travel to India. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. The cost of the visa is approximately £72 per person. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 30 days before your proposed travel date and the visa takes around 10 working days to issue. It is only valid for a 30 day single entry stay from the date of arrival. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa.

Here to help

Travel Advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth OfficeFor the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information you can visit their website at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.